Female members of the clergy join the line to enter the Church of England General Synod in York, northern England, on July 14. / AFP

by Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY

by Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY

LONDON - The Church of England voted Monday to admit female bishops for the first time in its history.

A move by clergy in 2012 to approve similar legislation to allow women to become bishops was backed by many in the church but blocked by traditionalists.

The church first ordained female priests in 1994.

"Today is the completion of what was begun over 20 years with the ordination of women as priests. I am delighted with today's result," Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said in a statement.

"The challenge for us will be for the church to model good disagreement and to continue to demonstrate love for those who disagree on theological grounds," he said. "Very few institutions achieve this, but if we manage this, we will be living (out) more fully the call of Jesus Christ to love one another."

Approval of the change, which overturns centuries of Anglican tradition, required a two-thirds majority by the General Synod - the church's highest governing body, which is made up of the House of Bishops, House of Clergy and House of Laity. Monday's historic vote took place in the city of York.

The Church of England, which broke from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century, has the largest Christian denomination in Britain. It has a presence in more than 160 countries. The first female bishops could be appointed as early as next year. The U.S. branch, the Episcopal Church, already allows the ordination of female bishops.

Lorna Ashworth, a lay member of the General Synod who voted against the measure, warned on BBC television that the vote would not lead to a "smooth road ahead" for the church, but "we will do what we can to make it work." Others, including Britain's political establishment, expressed approval at ending the exclusion of women as bishops.

"Well done to @JustinWelby for his leadership on securing a yes vote for women bishops," Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg declared on Twitter. It is a "big moment for the Church of England."

Archbishop of York John Sentamu said, "This is a momentous day. Generations of women have served the Lord faithfully in the Church of England for centuries. It is a moment of joy today."